Airway Suctioning

What Is It?

Airway suctioning is suctioning of the respiratory tract through either the nose, the mouth or through an artifical opening in the neck (tracheostomy).

Why It's Needed

The trachea is lined with little hairs. Impurities and foreign bodies are trapped in the hairs (cilia). Mucus is produced. Most people are able to loosen and cough up the mucus to the mouth where it can be coughed out or swallowed. Some people with a tracheostomy cannot create enough force to do this and require suctioning to remove the mucus.

When It's Needed

Respiratory diseases, airway obstructions and breathing difficulties are potential complications associated with temporary or permanent tracheostomy in infants, children and adults alike. Airway suctioning is necessary to keep a tracheostomy tube clear and the airways free. Airway suction is also needed to clear the airways after an accident or in patients with other airway difficulties.

Which Pump Is Needed

Medela designs its airway suctioning pumps to ensure that patients’ quality of life remains as high as possible. Medela’s pumps offer rapid vacuum build-up, and they are lightweight, portable and easy for patients to use. The Vario 18 pump has been developed for hospital, clinical and home use.

Our Mission

Medela Healthcare aims to improve the lives of patients, doctors, and hospital staff by providing pioneering solutions in medical technology.
For more than 50 years Medela has grown to become a global manufacturer of the most techonogically advanced breastpumps and medical vacuum technology.